Washington Nationals: Bullpen tests begins in earnest

With Shawn Kelly and Koda Glover returning from the disabled list, the Washington Nationals can get a handle on their bullpen problem and address them.

The true test of the Washington Nationals bullpen starts now.

Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover return from the disabled list in time to start a rain-shortened three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies. Kelley injured his back warming up after an illness while Glover aggravated a labrum injury from last year.

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A.J. Cole and Matt Grace went back to Triple-A Syracuse.

The last seven days were brutal for the Nats bullpen. Blowing both save opportunities presented, another three home runs left opposition bats. In 14.2 innings, the pen allowed 24 hits. Overall, Washington went 2-3 over the last seven days, the bullpen going 1-2.

Everyone, fans, other players and the front office are not thrilled. Championship teams do not carry fatal flaws like these. Fixing the problem, though, is tougher than making a trade or two.

With Kelley and Glover on the disabled list, the shallow depth of the bullpen was exposed. Making a judgement call how to improve things when Dusty Baker must use Matt Albers and Oliver Perez nightly is silly.

Will a trade need to happen? Probably.

There are no set roles in the pen. Pitchers come out in the sixth inning or to close games. The dreaded closer-by-committee is in force. It does not work. Now that the new closers are back, there are still concerns.

Glover has a mechanical issue that inflames his hip. He pitched through it last year and was never effective and it landed him on the disabled list this year. Mike Maddux must work with him to fix it. Glover has incredible stuff, but is not a long-term answer putting undue stress on his labrum.

Kelley’s back issues are new. Already with durability issues stemming from a pair of previous Tommy John surgeries, he is not a pitcher who can go in back-to-back games. He risks further damage.

Blake Treinen’s confidence is shot and the Joe Blanton Washington paid for never left Los Angeles. Yes, it is as ugly as you think.

Until the unit was healthy, getting the best sense on how to bolster the squad was impossible. The next couple weeks against an easier schedule tells the baseball world how the Nats stand.

If you include the raw Enny Romero in the mix, the Nats have three potential in-house closers. Along with Glover, Romero is young enough to be a long-term solution. As long as he can harness the fastball and mix in the slider. Fine to throw 102 if it pounds the strike zone.

Next: Austin Adams next Nats pitching callup?

Chances are a trade is coming, but all sides must be patient. The division lead is six games, and the offense is lethal. The true test preparing for October is over the next month.

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